The Good Shepherd Parish, Townsville

Parish Information

Parish Office Hours (Parish Office is located at Ryan Community Centre, Morindo Drive, Kirwan)

Monday - Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm (excluding Public Holidays)

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

Baptisms

Before we baptise children in the Parish, we ask that parents attend a Baptism Preparation meeting.  These meetings are usually held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 7.00 – 8.00 pm at the Ryan Community Centre.

If you neither parents are Catholic, we ask that  you arrange a meeting with our Parish Priest before booking in the Baptism for your child.

If you child is 6 years or older, please contact the Parish Office to arrange a meeting with one of our Baptism team.

Baptism bookings are made at the Baptism Preparation meeting.

Baptisms are held at the Ryan Community Centre Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month commencing at 11.30 am.  (some dates may vary, please check date required with office) 

 When choosing Godparents, one of the Godparent must be a Baptised Catholic. 

 We ask that parents make a donation. The recommended donation is $50 per child.  We have a Tap’n’Go machine which accepts Credit Card/Visa Debit, or this can be made as a cash donation.

Baptisms are only confirmed once attendance at the meeting and paperwork (which is completed at the meeting) is received in the office.

Meeting Dates for 2026

• Wednesday 22nd July

  Wednesday 26th August

  Wednesday 23rd September

  Wednesday 28th October

  Wednesday 25th November

Weddings

Weddings are performed in the Ryan Community Centre or Good Shepherd Community Centre after meeting and consultation with the Parish Priest.

Funerals

Funerals are performed at both Centres or wherever the family request after consultation with the Priest and the funeral directors.  

Parish Life and Ministry

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

This is offered in the parish - the course normally begins about September and goes through to Easter the following year when people are received into the church at the Easter vigil.   Those interested should contact the parish office.

Community Centres

The Good Shepherd Parish has  2  Community Centres - The Ryan Community Centre at  Morindo Drive, Kirwan and the Good Shepherd Community Centre at Allambie Lane, Rasmussen.   Each of these Centres are equipped with small chapels where the Eucharist is reserved and are available for private prayer and reflection.    

The Community Centres are available for hire to all kinds of community groups for meetings. Everything within the Centres is on wheels and easily moveable.

Many civic functions along with meetings of school, sporting and community groups use our buildings day and night. Five air-conditioned meeting rooms are available for hire at the Ryan Community Centre.  Schools and Community Groups are welcome to stay at the Ryan Community Centre when visiting Townsville. (Please flyer on website)  We do not hire out the Community Centres for parties or Wakes. 

Ryan Catholic College

Junior Campus (Prep - 4)

44 Golf Links Drive
Kirwan, 4817
Phone: 4755 9900
Email: jcoffice@ryan.catholic.edu.au

Ryan Campus

59 Canterbury Road
Kirwan, 4817
Phone: 4773 0100
Email: office@ryan.catholic.edu.au
Website: http://www.ryan.catholic.edu.au/

Mary MacKillop Centre - Kirwan

Phone: 4723 7122

Kindergarten

Phone: 4723 1238

Good Shepherd Catholic School

65 Allambie Lane
Rasmussen. 4815
Phone: 4774 0477
Email: rsmssn@tsv.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.gstsv.catholic.edu.au

Mary MacKillop Centre - Rasmussen

Phone: 4789 2053

St Benedict's Catholic School

890 Dalrymple Road
SHAW 4818
Phone: 4413 2400
Email: enquiries@stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au 
Website: www.stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au

Kindergarten

Phone: 4413 2400

Mary Help of Christians Catholic College

1 Bishop Putney Avenue
SHAW 4818
Phone: 4773 0900
Email: enquiries@mhoc.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.mhoc.catholic.edu.au